Social Worker (PACT)
PACT Primary Care is a comprehensive team which delivers primary care to Veteran patients in a longitudinal rather than episodic fashion and which has as its focus:
prevention; health promotion, coordination and chronic disease management. The social worker in this Veteran-centric approach often functions as a care coordinator and case manager for primary care veterans in all settings to ensure that health care meets the needs, as defined by the Veteran. The primary care social worker is responsible to answer Social Work and Advance Directive consults and to triage and refer Veteran needs to other social work practice areas as appropriate. The incumbent is also responsible for the accurate and thorough completion of SW Transplant Consults and assessments, which, whenever feasible, occur in the Veteran's home environment. The PACT Social Worker will also work with Veterans utilizing specialty care such as, but not limited to, urgent care, oncology; neurology and pain clinics as these Veterans and families often have psychosocial ramifications. The role of a social worker case manager in the PACT is to assess and treat psychosocial and environmental factors that impact the patient's ability to achieve maximum health and wellness. Social work case managers assess the patient's psychological and emotional adjustment to illness within the context of medical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. An assessment of environmental factors includes a review of the dynamics of the patient's support system, functional status, vocational, economic, housing, spiritual, cultural and legal factors that influence their ability to adhere to medical recommendations and management of self. The social worker assesses the underlying factors that contribute to the presenting concerns and develops interventions designed to promote lasting positive change to decrease stress, promote health and wellness and remove barriers to care. Psychosocial treatment options are reviewed with the patient, family and PACT team. A treatment plan based on the patient's identified concerns and goals is established. Patients are given supportive assistance and referrals to appropriate resources to lessen the acuity of psychosocial stressors. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8 - 4:
30pm. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations:
Social Worker, GS-9 (1) Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Ability to provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational& other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development & behavior (physical& psychological) & the differential influences of the environment, society& culture. 2. Ability to work with patients & families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical& social problems utilizing individual, group& family counseling skills. Work with more complex problems is done under close supervision. With guidance from the social work supervisor, ability to assess the psychosocial functioning& needs of patients& their family members& to formulate& implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills& assistance needed. 3. Basic knowledge of psychosocial treatment modalities& under supervision, ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families& groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment& skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques. 4. Ability to establish& maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff& representatives of community agencies. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally& in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. 5. Knowledge of medical& mental health diagnoses, disabilities& treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic& traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications& their effects/side effects& medical terminology. 6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management& tracking. Ability to learn& utilize software programs in use by VHA. For GS-11 Social Worker:
Experience, Education & Licensure:
Appointment and Promotion to the GS-11 full performance level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of post-MSW degree experience in the field of health care social work (VA or non-VA experience)& licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.ORIn addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs in subparagraph (b) below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community& other governmental agencies for services& ability to coordinate services. 2. Ability to independently assess the psychosocial functioning & needs of patients& their family members& to formulate& implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills & assistance needed, in collaboration with the patient, family& interdisciplinary treatment team. 3. Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments & provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational& other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development& behavior (physical& psychological)& the differential influences of the environment, society& culture. 4. Knowledge & experience in the use of medical& mental health diagnoses, disabilities & treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic& traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications& their effects/side effects& medical terminology. 5. Knowledge of psychosocial treatment& ability to independently implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families& groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical& social problems to achieve treatment goals. This requires independent judgment& skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. 6. Ability to independently provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups& families. Social workers must practice within the bounds of their license or certification. For example, some states may require social workers providing psychotherapy to have a clinical level of licensure. 7. Ability to provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients& the impact of psychosocial problems on health care& compliance with treatment. Ability to provide orientation & coaching to new social workers & social work graduate students. Ability to serve as a field instructor for social work graduate students who are completing VHA field placements. 8. Ability to independently evaluate his/her own practice through participation in professional peer review case conferences, research studies, or other organized means. 9. Knowledge& skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management& tracking, especially those programs in use by VHA. Reference:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/23 Part II Appendix G39 Physical Requirements:
The physical demands of this position involve primarily walking, talking, use of the telephone, computer, etc. Strenuous physical activity is not required, although you may be expected to withstand pressure and stress as part of your day to day activities. Work environment:
The incumbent observes normal safety precautions while working primarily in a community setting. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
prevention; health promotion, coordination and chronic disease management. The social worker in this Veteran-centric approach often functions as a care coordinator and case manager for primary care veterans in all settings to ensure that health care meets the needs, as defined by the Veteran. The primary care social worker is responsible to answer Social Work and Advance Directive consults and to triage and refer Veteran needs to other social work practice areas as appropriate. The incumbent is also responsible for the accurate and thorough completion of SW Transplant Consults and assessments, which, whenever feasible, occur in the Veteran's home environment. The PACT Social Worker will also work with Veterans utilizing specialty care such as, but not limited to, urgent care, oncology; neurology and pain clinics as these Veterans and families often have psychosocial ramifications. The role of a social worker case manager in the PACT is to assess and treat psychosocial and environmental factors that impact the patient's ability to achieve maximum health and wellness. Social work case managers assess the patient's psychological and emotional adjustment to illness within the context of medical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. An assessment of environmental factors includes a review of the dynamics of the patient's support system, functional status, vocational, economic, housing, spiritual, cultural and legal factors that influence their ability to adhere to medical recommendations and management of self. The social worker assesses the underlying factors that contribute to the presenting concerns and develops interventions designed to promote lasting positive change to decrease stress, promote health and wellness and remove barriers to care. Psychosocial treatment options are reviewed with the patient, family and PACT team. A treatment plan based on the patient's identified concerns and goals is established. Patients are given supportive assistance and referrals to appropriate resources to lessen the acuity of psychosocial stressors. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8 - 4:
30pm. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship:
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations:
Social Worker, GS-9 (1) Experience, Education, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Ability to provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational& other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development & behavior (physical& psychological) & the differential influences of the environment, society& culture. 2. Ability to work with patients & families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical& social problems utilizing individual, group& family counseling skills. Work with more complex problems is done under close supervision. With guidance from the social work supervisor, ability to assess the psychosocial functioning& needs of patients& their family members& to formulate& implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills& assistance needed. 3. Basic knowledge of psychosocial treatment modalities& under supervision, ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families& groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment& skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques. 4. Ability to establish& maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff& representatives of community agencies. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally& in writing, with people from varied backgrounds. 5. Knowledge of medical& mental health diagnoses, disabilities& treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic& traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications& their effects/side effects& medical terminology. 6. Basic skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management& tracking. Ability to learn& utilize software programs in use by VHA. For GS-11 Social Worker:
Experience, Education & Licensure:
Appointment and Promotion to the GS-11 full performance level requires completion of a minimum of 1 year of post-MSW degree experience in the field of health care social work (VA or non-VA experience)& licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.ORIn addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required 1 year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs in subparagraph (b) below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
1. Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community& other governmental agencies for services& ability to coordinate services. 2. Ability to independently assess the psychosocial functioning & needs of patients& their family members& to formulate& implement a treatment plan, identifying the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills & assistance needed, in collaboration with the patient, family& interdisciplinary treatment team. 3. Ability to independently conduct psychosocial assessments & provide psychosocial treatment to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational& other diversified backgrounds. This requires knowledge of human development& behavior (physical& psychological)& the differential influences of the environment, society& culture. 4. Knowledge & experience in the use of medical& mental health diagnoses, disabilities & treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic& traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications& their effects/side effects& medical terminology. 5. Knowledge of psychosocial treatment& ability to independently implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families& groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical& social problems to achieve treatment goals. This requires independent judgment& skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving or crisis intervention techniques. 6. Ability to independently provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups& families. Social workers must practice within the bounds of their license or certification. For example, some states may require social workers providing psychotherapy to have a clinical level of licensure. 7. Ability to provide consultation services to other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients& the impact of psychosocial problems on health care& compliance with treatment. Ability to provide orientation & coaching to new social workers & social work graduate students. Ability to serve as a field instructor for social work graduate students who are completing VHA field placements. 8. Ability to independently evaluate his/her own practice through participation in professional peer review case conferences, research studies, or other organized means. 9. Knowledge& skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management& tracking, especially those programs in use by VHA. Reference:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/23 Part II Appendix G39 Physical Requirements:
The physical demands of this position involve primarily walking, talking, use of the telephone, computer, etc. Strenuous physical activity is not required, although you may be expected to withstand pressure and stress as part of your day to day activities. Work environment:
The incumbent observes normal safety precautions while working primarily in a community setting. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.
- Department:
0185 Social Work - Salary Range:
$58,909 to $92,655 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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